Explosion, fire at Iowa biodiesel plant; no injuries reported

In Iowa, an explosion occurred at the the Soy Energy biodiesel plant in Mason City. Damage was reported from the fire that ensued but no injuries were reported. The plant, which employs a staff of 40l, will be closed pending an investigation into the blast. Plant president Jeff Oestmann told the Des Moines Register, ““biodiesel is the safest fuel to use, handle and store. However, the production process does involve hazardous chemicals, like methanol, which is why it should only be produced by trained workers in a commercial setting. We want to reassure the community that our plant is a safe, state-of-the-art facility. We provide 40 jobs, making valuable contributions to the area economy as well as our nation’s energy security.”